Vote for American Writers Museum

Best New Attraction

The American Writers Museum – the first museum dedicated to American writers and their works – opened its doors in 2017 and was quickly voted the best attraction in Illinois by our readers. This highly hands-on museum in Chicago invites visitors to interact with works of all forms and genres.

The American Writers Museum – the first museum dedicated to American writers and their works – opened its doors in 2017 and was quickly voted the best attraction in Illinois by our readers. This highly hands-on... Read More

The Experts

Marla Cimini

Marla is a journalist with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (combining all three whenever possible)! An avid globetrotter, she has covered topics such as exotic Tahitian getaways; Santa Fe’s chocolate trail; Argentine wines; and Japan's Washoku cuisine. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or see more of her work at USA TODAY.

Marla Cimini

Marla is a journalist with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (combining all three whenever possible)! An avid globetrotter, she has covered topics such as exotic Tahitian getaways; Santa Fe’s chocolate trail; Argentine wines; and Japan's Washoku cuisine. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or see more of her work at USA TODAY.

Eric Grossman

Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer based in Boston and New Orleans. He has edited dozens of DK Eyewitness Travel guides, and is constantly on the road searching for new and inspiring experiences. Having traveled to 50-plus countries, Eric is always up for an adventure; memorable experiences have run the gamut from sharing a stage with Coldplay to discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià.

Eric Grossman

Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer based in Boston and New Orleans. He has edited dozens of DK Eyewitness Travel guides, and is constantly on the road searching for new and inspiring experiences. Having traveled to 50-plus countries, Eric is always up for an adventure; memorable experiences have run the gamut from sharing a stage with Coldplay to discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià.

Gerrish Lopez

Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer based in her hometown of New Orleans. A true travel enthusiast, she enjoys experiencing the flavors and cultures of the world. Her adventures have taken her far and wide, from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, from smoked pork jowl in Thailand to whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.

Gerrish Lopez

Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer based in her hometown of New Orleans. A true travel enthusiast, she enjoys experiencing the flavors and cultures of the world. Her adventures have taken her far and wide, from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, from smoked pork jowl in Thailand to whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.